Funded PhD position in Environmental Social Science at University of Illinois: Knowledge, concern, and use of science for freshwater species conservation Major Advisors: Dr. Chloe Wardropper and Dr. Carena van Riper, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Expected start Fall 2024 Project description: The PhD student will conduct social science research under synergistic projects funded by the Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center and other sources focused on conservation of vulnerable freshwater species (i.e., invertebrates and salamanders). This research aims to understand how experts and laypeople adapt to climate change-related risks threatening these species and how agency staff perceive the usability of new scientific methods for species monitoring such as eDNA. We will use mixed methods (e.g., surveys and interviews) and work with volunteer stream monitoring organizations to disseminate findings. The student will work as part of an interdisciplinary team with ecologists, conservation biologists, and climate scientists.
Desired qualifications:
MS degree with coursework in environmental studies and social sciences (e.g., sociology, geography, psychology).
Quantitative social science data collection and analysis skills (e.g., survey design and statistical data analysis)
Experience with qualitative social science data collection and analysis (e.g., conducting interviews, leading focus groups, and analyzing transcripts) desired but not required.
Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and collaborate with diverse members of a research team.
Interest in (and ideally experience with) freshwater ecosystems.
Support: The successful candidates will receive full tuition, a 9-month academic year stipend, 2-month summer stipend, and health insurance. First year stipend is expected at approximately $29,000 (with adjustment thereafter for inflation). Funding will come from a combination of research assistant and teaching assistant appointments for the duration of the degree given satisfactory performance.
About the place: UIUC is a great place to do research on freshwater ecosystems given its proximity to the Great Lakes and abundant inland waterways. As the land grant and sea grant university for Illinois, we prioritize both basic and applied research and are ranked as number 15 of public universities by the 2021-22 U.S. News & World Report of America’s Best College rankings. The College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences has local and global impact in environmental systems and sustainability. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is in adjacent small cities in central Illinois, with close access to natural areas and the diverse cities of Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. For more information about living and working in the area, see: https://www.visitchampaigncounty.org/ and https://www.smilepolitely.com/
How to Apply: Submit materials by November 27th for full consideration, but we will consider applications on a rolling basis. Please send the following items in a single PDF file to Dr. Chloe Wardropper, [email protected]: (1) A cover letter (1-2pp) describing your qualifications, including academic and professional preparation, career goals, and interest in the project, (2) CV, (3) names and contact information for 3 references (you will be informed before they are contacted), (4) proof of English proficiency if applying from a non-English-speaking institution. Candidates must be prepared to submit full application materials to the University if chosen as a top candidate. For more information about the degree program, see: https://nres.illinois.edu/academics/graduate-degrees.